Explosive Device Detonated Against Israeli Army Patrol Along Gaza-Israel Border
In response, the IDF fired mortar shells into the coastal enclave, which the Palestinians claim wounded three Palestinians.
An explosive device was activated against an Israel Defense Forces patrol Wednesday along the Gaza border, near Khan Yunis. There were no injuries and no damage. The IDF responded with mortar fire.
The Golani Brigade soldiers patrolling along the border fence at first thought they were being shot at, but later realized that an explosive charge had been detonated near them. Shortly afterward, the military fired six mortar shells in the direction of Khan Yunis. According to the Palestinian news agency Ma’an, three Palestinians were wounded.
According to a military source, this is the first time since 2014’s Operation Defensive Edge that explosives were used against an IDF patrol. It is also unusual in that Hamas, which is ostensibly trying to maintain quiet, has relatively firm control over what goes on near the border.
In recent weeks, however, there have been shootings at military vehicles and rockets fired into Israeli territory. The defense establishment believes the fire earlier this week was the work of Salafi groups as part of the internal conflicts among the various Gaza factions.
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